Head of Planning

Associate Planning Director

Location: London & Kent (Hybrid - 3 days office-based)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits (Pension, Holiday, Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme, Healthcare)
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced and commercially minded planning professional to step into a strategic role, overseeing a dynamic team of 7 planners. You will manage a wide range of planning projects, focusing on appeals and applications, and mentor junior team members to develop their capabilities. The role involves shaping the future of the planning function and growing the business, including developing new relationships and bringing existing clients.

Qualifications

• Strong private sector background with 15+ years' experience in town planning.
• Proven expertise in handling complex planning applications and appeals.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior planners in a collaborative team setting.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to contribute to business development, ideally with a network of clients.
• Comfortable leading a young and ambitious team and keen to grow and shape it further.
• MRTPI membership is advantageous, though not essential.

The Offer

• Flexible working arrangements: 3 days a week in the office.
• A strong benefits package including:
  • Pension scheme
  • Generous holiday entitlement
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme
  • Private healthcare

Interview Process

The client prefers a flexible and relaxed interview process, accommodating Teams interviews or face to face meetings, and is open to informal chats initially.